During a recent re-read of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and it being the season that it is, a particular point in the story caught my attention. After accepting Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet writes to her Aunt Gardiner, “You are all to come to Pemberley at Christmas.” Immediately, I thought, Ohhh, what must Pemberley look like during Christmas? Would they host a grand ball, would Elizabeth be pregnant? How fluttering would Mrs. Bennet become? And above all, what would they serve to drink?
Pemberley Punch
After some research, I ensured that not only was punch a popular Regency era drink, but that all of the below ingredients would have been readily available in the United Kingdom at the time Jane Austen was writing. Most likely, additional libation would be included in such a punch like champagne, which you are more than welcome to add! My inspiration came from making a kompot and then adding a little somethin’ somethin’ to it.
Ingredients:
1 orange, sliced
1 apple, cored and cubed
1 pear, cored and cubed
1 cup cranberries + more for serving
1 cup raspberries
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. nutmeg
4 sticks cinnamon
4 cups water
Soda Water (to top)
Brandy
Equipment:
Stock pot
Punch bowl
Ladle
Put all the ingredients aside from the soda water and brandy into your stockpot. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn it down to a simmer and simmer for at least 1 hour. After an hour, take it off the heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, strain the fruit and cinnamon sticks and pour the liquid into your punch bowl. Add the brandy, soda water, and cranberries, all to your preference. Add ice to your cups and pour the punch, reveling in Pemberley’s splendor and the hospitality of your hosts, the ever gracious, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.
Writing with the Recipe
Now, let’s turn this recipe into a writing exercise:
Setting the Scene: Imagine the ballroom where the punch is being served. How many people are in attendance? What are the decorations like? Describe the cup that the punch is served in as well as any other sights, sounds, touches and smells.
Character Development: Does your character enjoy the taste of the punch? Perhaps it’s delicious to them, so delicious they indulge too much. Perhaps they think it is too sweet and sip on the same glass all night, doubling as an excuse for nary a suitor to approach asking her if she needs a glass of punch. Dive into your character’s thoughts as they take their first sip .
Symbolism and Themes: Think about what ingredients the punch is made of and how you can represent it in your story. For example, pears can be a symbol of romance, oranges a symbol of fertility, and cinnamon a symbol of prosperity. Use the recipe as a metaphor for larger themes in your narrative.
Plot and Conflict: Every story needs a bit of tension. Maybe the punch is used as a weapon in a disagreement. Perhaps the punch is poisoned. Or perhaps it is simply the catalyst that encourages your character to dance.
The beauty of using a recipe as a writing prompt is that not only does it provide structure while leaving plenty of room for creativity, it also gives you a tangible connection to your story. You’re drinking what your characters are drinking, a direct immersion in the story. How much more inspirational can it get? Next time you find yourself staring at a blank page, turn to your kitchen. Recipes can be a rich source of inspiration, blending the familiar with the unexpected.
Helpful Resources:
Regency Christmas and Jane Austen
Punch in Regency England
Regency Christmas Decorations
Planning a Regency Ball